Brief Description: Revising provisions for shared leave.

Sponsors: Representatives Appleton and Hunt.

Hearing Date: 2/20/07

Staff: Marsha Reilly (786-7135).

Background:

In 1989, the Legislature enacted the Washington State Leave Sharing Program (Program) for state employees. The stated purpose of the Program is to permit state employees to donate annual leave, sick leave, or personal holidays to fellow state employees who are suffering from, or have relatives or household members who are suffering from, an extraordinary or severe illness, injury, impairment, or physical or mental condition and has caused or is likely to cause the employee to take leave without pay or terminate his or her employment. As long as a certain balance is maintained, an employee may transfer annual and sick leave, and may transfer all of his or her personal holiday to an employee in the Program.

If an employee qualifies to participate in the Program, the agency head determines the amount of leave, not to exceed 261 days, that the employee may receive. The agency head also determines when the leave is no longer needed or will not be needed at a future time in connection with the illness or injury for which it was granted.

Summary of Bill:

Before an agency head makes a determination to return unused leave under the Program, he or she must receive a statement from the affected employee's doctor verifying that the illness or injury is resolved. Granted leave under the program may be used for any other qualifying condition, in addition to the illness or injury for which the leave was originally granted.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.